What is the primary function of the Fourteenth Amendment?

The primary function of the Fourteenth Amendment is to ensure due process and equal protection under the law. Ratified in 1868, the amendment was a crucial part of the Reconstruction Era and aimed to protect the rights of former slaves as well as to establish a legal framework for ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in the legal system.

The due process clause guarantees that individuals cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures, while the equal protection clause mandates that states treat all individuals equally under the law, prohibiting discrimination. This amendment laid the foundation for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that expanded civil rights and liberties in the United States, reinforcing its significance in promoting justice and equality.

This understanding aligns with the historical context in which the Fourteenth Amendment was enacted, addressing the need for protection of individual rights following the Civil War, setting a standard that continues to influence legal interpretations today.